Redskins target Pat White sued NFL over concussions

Six months after Pat White joined the rush of former players suing the NFL over head injuries, multiple reports Tuesday had the quarterback close to signing with the Redskins.

The circumstances surrounding White’s lawsuit made the potential acquisition of the former second-round pick who hasn’t taken a regular-season snap since 2009, at best, unusual.

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Until Tuesday, White was one of almost 4,200 former players involved in the litigation that’s been consolidated in federal court in Pennsylvania. But White voluntarily dismissed his lawsuit earlier in the day in a three-page filing in federal court reviewed by The Washington Times.

No reason was cited for the dismissal.

That ended a slew of specific claims in White’s original lawsuit, filed last November with 17 other players, that left his ability to play football in doubt.

A lengthy paragraph in the lawsuit alleged White suffered “repeated and chronic head impacts” in the NFL that put him at risk for “latent brain disease.” The lawsuit said White continues to suffer from “permanent injuries” including cognitive problems, “severe headaches, speech issues, memory loss, depression, isolation, mental anguish and diminished self-esteem.”

The concussion litigation accuses the NFL of concealing the long-term consequences of head injuries, a charge the NFL strenuously denies.

The 27-year-old White played 13 games for the Dolphins in 2009 and was cut before the 2010 season. A brief stint with the UFL’s Virginia Destroyers ended in 2011.

White also dabbled in a professional baseball career with the Royals.

At least one player involved in the concussion litigation has returned to the NFL. In January, the Seahawks signed Patrick Chukwurah for their playoff game against the Falcons. Chukwurah’s case hasn’t been withdrawn, according to federal court records.